GH in Chennai to celebrate 350 years in Nov.

The hospital, started in November, 1664, is the oldest existing medical institution in the country

Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (GH) will celebrate the beginning of its 350 year of existence in November. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is likely to participate in the celebrations, according to health minister K.C. Veeramani.

The hospital was started in November, 1664 and is the oldest existing medical institution in the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of a chronic pain management centre at the hospital, Mr. Veeramani said GH was one of the best hospitals in the country. “GH has generated Rs. 60 crore this year under the Chief Minister’s comprehensive health insurance scheme. The scheme has helped the hospital take up maintenance work. This has put the hospital on par with private hospitals,” he said.

Doctors said the number of outpatients coming to the GH every day has been increasing over the years. Currently, the hospital receives 10,000 to 12,000 outpatients every day and has a total of 2,722 beds.

To cater to the growing patient population, the hospital has sought two more tower blocks like the ones that were set up in 2005. This, doctors said, will provide more floor space to accommodate more specialties and beds.

Also, the hospital is planning to seek autonomy as it enters the 350 year of its existence. Doctors said it could function as an autonomous institution under the government of Tamil Nadu.

GH Dean V. Kanagasabai and B. Kala, director, institute of anaesthesiology, also participated in the programme.